Concrete treating and finishing machine



Octw 26, 1943. J, w POULTER r 2,333,041

CONCRETE TREATING AND FINISHING MAGHNE 1. 2 m. .w|\u\ k w R H M m M 3 .H l 3. t A 2 e m Q E 4 qw mv mm m. m C l n m n.. @HU WU .h m nhu @u M l R s a nu@ lv E M 9 T 1 1 u F 7, i m m Q W m w m I* TQL T J m i. F T wv m l5, I. ew m W Y m ww l m Qm. bm..

Oct. 26, 1943.

Oct. 26,1943. J. w. POULTER 2,333,041

TING AND FINISHING MACHINE Oct. 26, 1943.

J. w. PQULTER CONCRETE TREATING AND FINISHING MACHINE Filed May 7, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 TTOR/VEYS.

Patented Oct. 26, 1943 2.333.041 coNcaE'rE Tammo AND FmsmNG MAcnnsE John W. Poulter, Wauwatosa, Wis., assigner vto Koeln-Ing Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation Application May 7. 1941, Serial No. 392,376

15 Claims.

concrete excess-water and entrapped air. To secure the compaction action a variety of devices has been developed including the common reciprocating screed and various vibrating and tamping devices.

'Ihe common screed may have some compacting effect, but by reason of the fact that its/'movement is only lateral with respect to a single point on the upper area of the concrete, a uniform working or compacting movement of the concrete is not effected, since such devices fail to impart movement to all parts of the concrete tending to compact the same. With the present tendency of using so-called dry mixes resulting-in a, stiffer or less plastic concrete, the disadvantage oi' the present methods and apparatus used for ilnishing the concrete becomes more pronounced.

Likewise, vibrating and tamping devices fail to give a uniform working of the complete mass of concrete being treated. Tamping devices tend to create high pressure areas with a tendency to key the larger aggregate in the same position as it was when the pressure was applied, while a vibrating device employing only one frequency may have a consolidating effect on one size or weight of particles, and afiluffing or loosening effect on another size. In both cases there is a rapid decrease in the effect, as the distance from the point of contactwith the concrete increases.

In compacting concrete, it is desirable to move the aggregate or coarse pieces of stone or gravel plete mass of concrete is not caused by either the common screed or vibrating mechanism and with tamping, there is the tendency to key the particles in the same position they occupied at the .initial application of the tamping action. Moreover, the force is definitely not uniformly distributed throughout the mass.

The principal object of this invention has been to devise a novel method of working concrete by which the individual particles of aggregate will be moved into a uniform dense compact arrangement or position with each other forming a, concrete with uniform density throughout the complete mass. Themethod comprises the application of force or pressure to the surface of a narrow strip of concrete at spaced points and causes the points of application of' such force to continually move back and forth across the strip in the form of a wave motion whereby the concrete will be uniformly moved or worked into a dense compact mass.

The invention also contemplates the provision of apparatus for carrying out the method in which a working device having a wave-like surface is engageable with the surface of the concrete to be compacted. Means are provided to cause movement of the high and low points on the wave-like surface of the working device across the concrete in an undulating manner for causmovement of the coning the desired compacting In the drawings, I have illustrated a form of apparatus by which the principles of this invention may be carried out. In this showing:

tween suitable forms on a road bed.v

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5 5 ofFigure 4.

Figure 6 lis a view similar toFigure 4 illustrating another form oi concrete compactlng device and its manner of application.`

Figure '7 is an enlarged view of the compacting device shown in Figure 6, parts thereof 'being broken away to illustrate its construction.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line B8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the relative positions of the eccentric drives shown in the device illustratedin Figure 7.

2 y assenti Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 showing a concrete finishing machine, the numeral i indicates the frame workl of the machine which is movably supported by flanged wheels 2 mounted on an axle 3 rotatably secured by bearings 4 to the frame I. The flange wheels 2 are adapted to ride on steel forms 5 between which the concrete 5.

is poured on the surface of the road bed l. A motor 3 is mounted on the frame I and through a suitable drive such as the belt 9 is adapted to cause forward movement vof the machine over the surface of the road. The motor 8 is also adapted to actuate concrete nishing devices or screens I and lI, theconstruction of which will, be presently described, for effecting a compacting action of the concrete.

The .screed I0 comprises a transverse vertical plate I2, -side members I3 and a flexibler bottom member` l d. A drive shaft I is rotatably mounted on the side members i3 and 'is adapted to be driven from the'motor 8 in a manner which will become apparent. A plurality of eccentrica I6 are keyed to the shaft I5 for imparting vertical movement to the connecting rods I1 which are connected by wrist pins I8 to connecting members I9 secured to thei'lexible bottom member It of the screed IIJ. By this arrangement, the flexible member I4 is supported from the shaft l5. Adjustable devices I9? are provided for changing the lengths of the arms il in order to adjust the lposition of the flexible member M to allow for the crown ofthe road.

As best shown vin Figure 4,V the eccentrics i6 are mounted 180 apart to provide a. series of alternate high points and low points 2l on the actuating surface of the flexible member It for a purpose which will become apparent.

A generator 22 is mounted on the frame I and is driven from the drive shaft 23 by a pulley belt 2Q. The electric currentgenerated by the generator 22 is used to drive a motor 25 mounted on the screed i0. The motor 25 operates a shaft 26 which in turn is operative to rotate the shaft i5 through a suitable worm gear drive (not shown).

Accordingly, it will be apparent that when the motor 25 is operated to rotate the shaft i5, the high and low points 20 and 2i on the flexible member It will be moved vertically in reverse directions by the eccentrics I6 mounted on the shaft I5. By reason of the fact that the member I4 extends transversely of the road bed, the force exerted by the eccentrics IB will be distributed over the surface of the concrete in various directions to not only present vertical forces to the surface of the concrete, but also forces tending to move the concrete in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4 for imparting a kneading action to the concrete.

The screed I0 is adapted to be reciprocated transversely with respect to the forms 5 and, to this end, a pair of inverted channel-shaped members'21 slidably supported by members 2B are provided. Each of the members 28 is pivotally connected to a link 29 which has one end thereof connected pivotally to a supporting member 3B secured to the frame I. The other end of the link 29 is pivotally connected to a vertically movable rod 3| which is adapted to be moved vertically by means of a manually operable hand wheel 32 which has a threaded connection with the rod 3l.

The vertical position of the screed I@ may be adjusted through proper manipulation of the hand wheels 32. The arrangement of the parts permitting vertical adjustment and lateral movement of the screed il) is well known in the art and forms no part of this invention.

. A shaft 33 is rotatably driven from a transmission 34 controlled by a lever 35 and mounted on the frame I, the transmission 54 being driven from the motor 8 by the shaft 23. An eccentric 36 isv keyed to the shaft 33 for imparting reciprocating movement to the connecting rod 3l which is pivotally vconnected to one end of a rocker arm 38. The rocker arm 38 is pivotally connected to the frame I by a pin 39 and has its other end provided with a vertical slot d for engagement with an actuating member 4I. As best shown in iFigure 5, the actuating member di is connected to the transverse plateIZ for imparting transverse movement to the screed i0 upon operation of the shaft 33 to imparta rocking movement to the rocker arm 38.

With the motor 25 .driving the eccentrics I6,

it will be apparent 4that the transverse reciproeating movement of the screed by the. rocker arm 38 will constantly change the position of the eccentrics I6 and the alternate high and low points 20 and 2i on the flexible member It with respect to the surface of the road. A combined vertical and horizontal movement is thereby imparted to the high and low points 2 I and 2li whereby each part of the transverse strip of concrete being operated on by the screed I@ will be uniformly subjected to a constantly changing pressure in an integrated manner.

lit will be appreciated that Figure 4 exaggerates the amount of throw of the eccentrlcs i6. It is desirable that the shaft I5 be driven at a high 'rate of speed and that the throw of the eccentrics I6 be made only a small fraction of an inch. However, the amount of throw the eccentrics IS and the speed of rotation of the shaft I5 may be adjusted as the circumstances require by rotating the devices I9 so that the threaded portions thereof will cause raising or lowering of the members I9 with respect to the eccentric shaft I5.

A supporting member 42 is spaced above the tail portion e3 of the iexible member I4 and has opposite ends thereof suitably secured to opposite side members i3 of the screed l0. 'I'he member ft2 in addition to serving as a support for the motor 25 carries adjustable members fida by which the tail end portion 53 of the flexible meriber i4 may be adjusted for the crown of the roa The vertical position of the member 42 with respect to the road is controlled by the hand wheels 32. The adjustable members 45a are connected to the member 42 and the tall portion t3 in order that the position of the tail portion 43 may be adjusted with respect to the member 52. Since the particular means for causing the screed Ill to conform to the crown of the road forms no part of this invention, the connectionsof the adjustable membersMa to the member 42 and to the tail portion 43 are not illustrated in detail.

Referring to Figure 1, it will be noted that the screed II is formed of two identical sections ,44

and 45. 'Ihe construction of each of the sections M and 45 is best shown in Figures 6, '7 and 8, and each section comprises a plurality of rollers IS rotatably mounted on a shaft 41, there being similar shafts 41 for each of the sections 44 and 45. Each of the rollers 46 comprises a hollow cylindrical element having an integral annular .member 4al formed adjacent one end thereof.

The rollers 46.and the integral annular members 48 are rotatably supported with respect to the shaft 41 by a roller bearing assemblyv 49 comprising an outer race 56 keyed to the annular member 48 and an inner race 5I keyed to an eccentric 52 which is in turn keyed to the shaft 41. Roller bearings are positioned between the races' 50 and 5I, and it will be noted 'that the inner surface of the race 50 is curved to provide a roller bearing assembly of the self centering type to permit angular movement of the rollers 46 with respect to the shaft 41.

As best shown in Figure "I, it will be noted that an end 53 of each roller 46 is mounted in overlapping relationship with respect to the annular portion 48 of an adjacent roller 46 in order that each of the sections 44 and 45 will present a substantially continuous surface to the surface of the concrete for a purpose which will become ap. parent.

A flexible rubber member- 54 is mounted on the annular member 48 and acts as a filler for the space between the ends .53 and the outer surface of the next adjacent roller 46 to permit angular movement of the rollers 46 with respect to each lapping relationship with respect to the member 55 in the same manner'as heretofore described for the edges 53 with respect to adjacent rollers 46. The supporting members 55 are adapted to roll along the surface of the forms between .which the concrete has been deposited.

The inner end of each shaft 41 is rotatably carried by supporting members 56 which are similar in construction to the supporting mem'- bers 55.

The members 56 are connected to a vertically movable element 51 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 for vertical movement thereof with respect to the surface of the road in order that each of the sections 44 and 454 may be given an adjustment for the crown of the road. The member 51 is carried by a member 58 extending longitudinally of the sections 44 and 45.

'I'he outer ends of the shafts 41 are rotatably mounted in brackets 59 which are respectively pivotally connected to a drive shaft 60 extending transversely of and rotatably connected to the frame I.v The brackets l59 space the screed Il from the frame I and permit vertical adjustment of the screed II with respect to the frame I. To provide for adjustment of the screed II. ladjusable members 6I are pivotally connected at 62 to the outer edges of the member 58, the member 58 being provided with side members 63 fastened as by rivets 64 to the brackets 59. The member 6I has the other end 65 thereof threaded for engagement with an internally threaded lhand wheel 66, rotation of which will thereby effect movement of the members 6I, 58 and 59 for adjusting the position of the screed II vertically with respect to the road.

A pulley 461 is keyed to the shaft 60 and is driven by a belt 68 from a pulley 69 keyed to the shaft 23. Pulleys 1l are keyed to the outer ends of the shaft 69 and have belts 1I reeved with respect thereto for driving pulleys 12 keyed to the outer ends of each of the shafts 41.

5 It will be apparent that the arrangement of the pulleys and 1I provide a separate drive for each of the shafts 41.

In Figure 9, the position of the eccentrics 52 with respect to each other on the shaft 41 is 10 diagrammatically illustrated. 'Ihe eccentrics are shown as occupying a position of angular advancement of 45 with respect to each other along the shaft 41. By this arrangement every fourth roller will provide a high point along the surface of the sections 44 and 45 and every eighth roller will provide a low point. On movement' of the shaft 41 through an angle of 45, the respective high and low points on thesections 44 and 45 will be shifted to the next succeeding roller.

In operation, the shaft 41 will be driven -at a high rate of speed and the throw of the eccentrics or cams 52 will be only a small fraction of an inch. in Figure 6, the wave-like surface which will be presented to the surface of the concrete is illustrated and it will be appreciated that the position of the high and low points with respect to each other has been exaggerated for the purposes of illustration. Obviously, the number of rollers employed in each of the sections 44 and 45 and the 3o position of angular advancement of the eccentrics 52 with respect to each other along the shaft 41 may be varied as the circumstances require.

From the above, it will be apparent that when the shafts 41. are rotated the high and low points presented by the wave-like surface of the rollers 46 to the surface of the concrete will be progressively shifted with respect to the surface 4of the concrete in an integrated manner and the wavelike surface of the rollers 46 will be moved over the surface of the concrete in an undulating manner. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the strip of concrete immediately underneath the rollers 46 will be subjected to a series of high and low points or vertical-forces which will be conv stantly and progressively moving over the strip of the concrete whereby a uniform working and compactionof all the concrete under the sections 44 and 45 will be effected. a 'I'he supporting member 58 is provided with plate member 13 extending longitudinally of the sections 44 and 45 and angularly toward the surface of the rollers 46. The plate member is fastened to each of the side members 63 and together with such members forms a hopper-like construction for carrying the excess concrete in front of the rollers 46 as best shown in Figures l0 and 11. A hard rubber scraping member 14 having suillcient resiliency to follow the variations in the surface presented by the rollers 46 is secured to the bottom edge of the member 13 iir engagement with the surfaces of the rollers In operation, the flange wheels 2 carrying the frame I will be mounted on the forms 5 between which the concrete to be compacted by the screeds I0 and II has been deposited. Upon starting of the motor 6, the screed I 0 will be reciprocated transversely ofthe forms 5 by the rocker `arm 38 in the manner heretofore described. At the same time the generator 22 will supply current to the motor 25 to rotate the shaft I5 and operate the eccentrics I6 for alternately reversing the positions of the high and low points 20 and 2l along the surface of th ilexible member I4.

With the screed I Il operating in the manner just described, the shaft 23 through the belt 68 will cause rotationof the shaft Slifer driving the shafts 41 of the respective sections 44 and 45 of the screed I I. Rotation of the shafts 41 will cause movement of the high and low points presented by the surfaces of the rollers 46 with respect to the concrete across the surface of the concrete. The eccentrics or cams 52 being keyed to the shafts 41 and rotatable relevant to the rollers 46 will cause the relative positions of the eccentrics 52 with respect to the rollers 46 to be changed and caus'e movement of the surfaces of the sections 44 and 45 in an undulating manner.

At the same time, the drive 9 will cause forward movement of the screeds I and II with respect-.to the concrete, the rate of forward speed being dependent upon the speed ratio provided by the drive 9. Forward movement of the frame I will cause the screed I0 to be dragged over the surface of the concrete and cause the rollers 46 to rollover the surface of the concrete.`

,Figure 11 illustrates diagrammatically the manner in which the two different types of screeds I0 and II will operate together on a single strip of concrete. However, it will be appreciated that this arrangement may be varied as the circumstances require by eliminating one of the types of screeds shown in Figures and 10. From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the screeds l0 and 11 illustrate a novel method of working and compacting concrete. By their use, a strip of concrete may be subjected to a contnuous vertical pressure at points spaced from each other and the points of application of vertical pressure will move progressively back and forth across the strip of concrete.A In addition, such forces are applied to the concrete by a memgageable with the surface of a strip of concrete and provided with a plurality of spaced high and low points thereon. and means for actuating said device to cause movement of said points across the surface of the concrete progressively in an undulating manner for effecting a compacting movement of the concrete under said device.

4. In apparatus of the character described, means for working concrete comprising a device having a substantially continuous surface engageable with the surface of a strip of concrete and provided with a plurality of spaced high and low points thereon, means for actuating said device to alternately reverse the positions of said high and low points, and means for moving said device with respect to the strip of concrete to subject all parts of the strip to said high and low points in an integrated manner for effecting a uniform compacting movement of the concrete under said device.

5. In a concrete compacting machine, in combin'ation, a movable support' adapted to be adber which provides a, substantially continuous surface in engagement with the concrete whereby component forces will be applied to the concrete at points intermediate the points of application of the vertical forces. Accordingly, it will be recognized that the foregoing is a substantial improvement over the prior art, wherein it has been customary to apply a reciprocating force to a single point of area of concrete.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim as new and'desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. The method of working concrete which consists in the application of a substantially continuous working surface having a plurality of spaced apart high and low points to a strip of concrete, subjectingsaid working surface to vertical forces at spaced apart points to alternately reverse the positions of said high and low points, and applying the vertical forces progressively with respectto the strip of concrete whereby to subject all parts of said surface at times to said forces in an integrated manner for effecting a compacting movement of the concrete under said working surface.

2. In apparatus of lthe character described,

means for working concrete comprising a devicel having a substantially continuous surface engageable with the surface of a strip of concrete and provided with a plurality of spaced high and low points thereon, and means for` actuating said device to alternately reversethe positions of said vanced over the surface of the concrete to be provided with a substantially continuous wavelike surface engageable with the surface of the concrete, said wave-like surface presenting a series of alternately located high and low points to the surface of the concrete, and means for reversing the position of said high and low points for eifecting a compacting action of the concrete.

6. In a concrete compacting machine, in combination, a movable support adapted to be advanced over the surface of the concrete to be compacted, a screed carried by said support and provided with a substantially continuous wavelike surface engageable with the surface of the concrete, said wave-like surface presenting a series of alternately located high and low points to the surface of the concrete, means for reversing the vertical position of said high and low points for effecting a compacting action of the concrete, and means for reciprocating the screed laterally with respect to the line of advancement of said screed.

7. In la concrete compacting machine, in combination, a movable support adapted to be advanced over the surface of the concrete to be compacted, a screed carried by said support and provided with a substantially continuous wavelike surface engageable with the surface of the concrete, said wave-like surface presenting a series of alternately located high and low points to the surface of the concrete, means for reciprocating the s'aid wave-like surface in contact with said concrete surface for reversing the position of said high and low points for effecting a compacting action of the concrete, and means including eccentric drive parts operatively connected with said screed to impart up and down movements in reverse directions to said high and low points for effecting a compacting action of the concrete.

8. In a concrete compacting machine, in comv bination, a movable support adapted to be adhigh and low points for effecting avcompacting vanced ,over the surface of the concrete to be compacted, a screed carried by said support and engageable with the surface of the concrete, a plurality of eccentric driving parts operatively connected to said screed at spaced points occupying a position of angular advance with respect to each other of substantially less than and drive means for said eccentric parts to cause movement of said screed in an undulating manvanced over the surface of the concrete to be y compacted, a flexible screed carried by said support and engageable with the surface of the concrete. a plurality of eccentric driving parts operatively connected to said screed at spaced points and occupying a position of angular advance with respect to `each other of substantially'lO", and drive means for said eccentric parts to cause flexing movement of said screed in an undulating manner for effecting a compacting action of the concrete under said screed.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 9, combined with means for reciprocating said screed laterally with respect to the line of advance of said sup- Port.

11. In a concrete compacting machine, in combination, a movable support, a drive shaft rotatably mounted on said support, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on said drive shaft, an eccentric drive for each of said rollers, secured to said shaft and occupying a position of angular advance along said shaft with respect to each other of substantially less than 180, means securing each of said rollers to an adjacent roller whereby a wave-like surface will be Ipresented thereby to the surface of the concrete to be compacted, and means for rotating said shaft to cause movement of said rollers through said eccentric drives in an undulating manner relative to said shaft for effecting a compacting action of the concrete under said rollers.

12. In a concrete compacting machine, in combination, a movable support, a drive shaft rotatably mounted on said support, a plurality of eccentric drive members secured to said shaft at spaced points and occupying a position of angular advance with respect to each other of substantially less than 180, a cylindrical roller rotatably secured to each of said drive members at points adjacent one end thereof, each of said rollers having its opposite end movably connected to an adjacent roller whereby a wave-like surface will be presented by said rollers to the surface of the concrete to be compacted, and means for rotating said shaft to cause movement of said rollers through said eccentric drives in anv undulating manner relative to said shaft for effecting a compacting action of the concrete under said rollers.

13. The method of finishing a slab of concrete, which includes applying a continuous working surface to the surface of the concrete aggregates, alternately applying to the surface thereof a plurality of vertical forces while the working surface is maintained in contact with said aggregates, reciprocating said working surface in a transverse direction, and moving said working surface longitudinally of said slab while continuingapplication of the aforesaid vertical forces and movement of the working surface in a transverse direction.

14.V The method of compacting a. slab of concrete, which comprises applying a continuous flexible working member to the surface of a strip of said slab, alternately actuating successive portions of said member by a plurality of vertical forces throughout the length of said member, and bodily moving the member at an angle to the length thereof while said working member is in contact with the surface of the slab being ,compacted.

15. The method of compacting a slab of concrete, which comprises applying a continuous ex.. ible rolling working member to the surface of a strip of said slab, alternately actuating successive portions of said member by a plurality of vertical forces throughout the length of said member, and bodily moving the member at an angle to the length thereof, while said rolling lworking member is in contact with the surface of the slab to eifect rolling of the working` member over the surface in an undulating manner with progressive pressure action.

J OHN W. POULTER.. 

